Final Masthead AgeWise
July, 2020
Many of us had hoped that by summer the pandemic would be behind us and life could go on . But we continue to confront a global pandemic as well as the urgent issues of racial justice that have been laid bare once again in the last weeks. I want to begin by conveying our wish that you are safe and healthy.

In response to COVID-19 Virginia has now entered "Safer at Home: Phase 3" as the mandate of Governor Northram. You can read the entire document by clicking on the red link above. This phase allows for larger gatherings and permits a wider array of retail and business establishments to open (all while still practicing social distancing). Meanwhile cases of COVID-19 are skyrocketing and many states (such as Arizona, Texas, Florida & California) are reporting daily levels that surpass the previous highs reported in April.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) has expanded their "list of underlying conditions" that augment the risk for severe COVID-19. This includes removing the orginal age marker of 65 and above, and cautioning t hat “among adults, risk increases steadily as you age, and it's not just those over the age of 65 who are at increased risk for severe illness.”

The message for all of us is clear: We must stay diligent in protecting ourselves and our loved ones. That includes wearing a mask, washing hands, avoiding touching your face, regularly disinfecting surfaces, and monitoring your own health. The two articles following, from the CDC, go into detail. Please read them and be aware of best practices for health safety.


A useful resource, created through our amazing Aging Together Regional Coalition of agencies and organizations that's met since March, is a directory that can be found on our website ( www.agingtogether.org , or click on file link at bottom of page ) outlining regional resources and contact information relevant to an abundance of needs and challenges that might arise within our older populations. Please download this directory and share with anyone you know who might use it, and alert us if we can snail-mail a copy to someone without internet.

As an agency, Aging Together is duty-bound to assure our region's older adults receive appropriate facts and resources that cover a wide range of issues and ideas. During the pandemic and always, we remind ourselves that "aging" is not about doom and gloom and there is much good, positive information to pass on as well as false information to eradicate. On that path we started myth-busting in our eNews awhile back and here I continue with "Myth #3". See it below!

I leave you with a reminder that meaningful activities and exercise are important to keep aging people (and everyone!) both engaged and healthy. If a person is not sufficiently stimulated mentally, they “shut down”. We’re sending this newsletter as a reminder to keep mind and body active with a few relevant hints, as well as other information for keeping mood up, pandemic or not! And check out our website for activity ideas: Activity Ideas for Staying at Home

Stay healthy and well. If you have any great ideas of things to do while sheltering at home please let us know...we'd love to share ! ephipps@agingtogether.org .

If you need assistance searching for resources, call or email. We're In It Together !
Ellen Phipps, Executive Director     
Busting It! Myth #3:
"Older People Contribute Little to Society"
With years of personal skills and professional expertise, older adults are highly valued employees, colleagues and volunteers. Senior Corps has more than 200,000 volunteers age 55 and older who contribute to their communities by tutoring, helping small businesses, assisting in placing foster children, providing fellow seniors who are homebound with companionship and help with daily tasks, and participating in other valuable endeavors. Older workers have a strong work ethic and are great mentors and models for younger generations.  

BENEFITS OF GETTING OUTSIDE

Summer is here and it's time to get outside. The benefits for health and mood are numerous. If you are an exercise addict, spend 30 minutes walking or running outside. (But do it early in the morning or on a cooler day and be mindful of heat risk. Check in with the Mayo Clinic for info about safe exercise in warmer weather.) Or get your less ambulatory family outside to sit for awhile. Various studies show being outside and getting some sunshine can improve mood, increase Vitamin D intake, help you sleep better, and lower blood pressure. Forbes had an article in April speaking to benefts of getting outside, especially during the pandemic. Grab your sunscreen and water and a seat on the porch, and read it here: Forbes - Get Outside .
HOW TO HELP
OLDER PEOPLE IN ISOLATION

COVID-19 "Phase 3" in Virginia allows the general population to get out a little more. But older people are better off staying in place even though it has been months that they have been doing so and the barrier preventing them to see family and friends is still up. Added to the crisis is the inability for many to get necessities like food on a regular basis. Aging Together often hears about people who want to help but are not certain how. Here's a great article from NBC that sums up ideas for anyone to help. For finding local providers who might need volunteers, please see the Community Resource Directory on www.agingtogether.org . Or check out the PATH Foundation's Volunteer Hub .
MIND ALONG WITH BODY
balance_rocks.jpg
Mental Health is just as important as physical health for everyone, including caregivers who find added stress during crisises like a pandemic. Check in with WebMD to read about ways to guard your mental health.

The Happiness Lab is a podcast run by Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos who "will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will forever alter the way you think about happiness." She has created a special segment related to COVID-19 and coping with isolation & loneliness.

If you or someone you know needs help coping, especially because of added pandemic challenges, contact the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County:
GREAT IDEA
CREATING WAYS FOR SAFE VISITATION

In Ohio one nursing home facility, through partnerships with local agencies, created
a way for loved ones to safely visit residents by staying within a plexiglass "box".
On appearance it doesn't seem difficult. See the write-up:
TOOLS
It's taken on a whole new meaning and can offer a big advantage toward combatting isolation and enabling people to connect. But for many older adults using a digital application like Zoom is daunting. So we've attached a couple articles to help unravel the mystery of Zoom. It'a actually a lot easier than many think!
PETS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

ahhh....but not REAL pets. However, under the concept of "lifelike robotics", Joy For All Companion Pets offers cats, kittens & puppies that have real-like fur and make purring noises as they sit on a lap or snuggle. These animals have become extremely popular and are finding their way into both independent homes and long term care facilities. They help with relaxation, stress reduction and distraction from boredom. Though a bit pricey at about $64-$125 per animal, they are worth the cost in improving quality of life.
A resident of Dogwood Village in Orange County talks to her daughter on an iPad given by Aging Together.
iPads for Seniors
Back in May Aging Together launched iPads for Seniors, placing iPads into long term care facilities enabling residents to connect with loved ones, doctors, and activities. Thanks to generous funding from the Northen Piedmont Community Foundation, AARP and Culpeper Wellness Foundation, 18 iPads have been placed around the 5-county region. If you would like to help support this ongoing program, please consider a donation by clicking here.
REGIONAL RESOURCES
Click picture to view info about the Pandemic Call Center
Click picture to view info about the Senior Cool Care program



Click Logo above to view Community Resource Guide
SAVE THE DATE

5 Over 50 Virtual Celebration:
September 24

Stay Tuned!